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| Recent action at the SBC International Mission Board trustee meeting clarified how internal trustee issues were to be settled. The policy concerning missionary appointment of those who practice a “private prayer language” stayed in effect. While the Baptist Faith and Message does not address the tongues issue, the trustees are within their authority to set the parameters. Conventions, associations, ministries or churches are also free to set their own points of fellowship.
Some have accused the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention of being creedal because we are a confessional fellowship. Churches are simply asked to “agree with the foundational beliefs of the SBTC set forth in its Constitution and Bylaws.” The beliefs are expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000 and adopted by the SBTC the same year. Thankfully the nature of Scripture, the exclusivity of salvation in Jesus Christ, the office of pastor, marriage and the beginning of life at conception are all affirmed in the BF&M 2000. The statement is specific about subjects that need clarification. Individuals and churches are free to believe what they want, but for a collection, network, or convention of churches there must be a minimal set of beliefs for cooperation. Regarding some subjects, there is wide latitude in our statement of faith. One such subject is the process of the second coming of Jesus. Article 10 is brief but clearly states that Jesus is coming again. It does not mention the tribulation, millennium or other aspects of the end times. By virtue of the broad language many interpretations fit within Article 10. A person could believe in a pre-, mid-, or post- tribulation rapture. A person might also be pre-, post- or a- regarding the millennium. Personally, I have a position on the subject of the manner of the return of Jesus but it would be inappropriate for me to impose my interpretation on the churches of the SBTC. Other theological issues that are highly debatable also fit within the framework of the BF&M 2000. Some Southern Baptists affirm the “doctrines of grace” while others hold possibly to only one point of Calvin’s much-discussed TULIP. The SBTC is broad enough under the BF&M 2000 for both interpretations. We gladly plead “guilty” to being a confessional fellowship, but do not label us creedalist. There is plenty of room for interpretation within the Baptist Faith and Message statement to allow diversity and cooperation. Let us keep the common ground we have and reach out to others who share our same core values. God bless you as you serve our Lord. |
